SunTuria Solar generating power for co-op members

Introducing SunTuria Solar at Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative in Centuria, Wisconsin!
Now generating clean, renewable energy for co-op members. The 1.25-MW array is the first utility-scale solar in Polk and Burnett counties.

Located behind the co-op office in Centuria, SunTuria Solar covers 10 acres with more than 4,800 solar panels that follow the patch of the sun to increase energy production. The array generates approximately 2,363,000 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power about 200 homes.

SunTuria Solar is one of 15 new solar facilities being developed by Dairyland Power Cooperative to diversify generation resources and increase solar energy in Wisconsin.

SunTuria Solar was built and is owned and operated by Chicago-based SoCore Energy on land leased from Polk-Burnett. SoCore’s investment is more than $2 million.

Polk-Burnett and Dairyland Power Cooperative will have no initial investment, but have contracted with SoCore to purchase all of the energy output at a fixed rate for 25 years

Electricity from SunTuria Solar will flow into the Sand Lake Substation south of Highway 8 and will be distributed to local members , just the same as if the power had been generated and transmitted from a distant power plant.

During the November 3 ribbon cutting, General Manager Steve Stroshane said SunTuria Solar will provide clean, local, renewable energy at a long-term, stable rate to benefit all co-op members.

As a side benefit, the ground under the array will be restored as prairie to provide bee and butterfly habitat.

Watch construction of SunTuria Solar at Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative in Centuria, Wisconsin. The 1.25-MW array is the first utility-scale solar in Polk and Burnett counties, with more than 4,800 solar panels installed on 10 acres. Construction began in August 2017, and SunTuria Solar began generating renewable energy for co-op members in November 2017.

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